How much sun does Trailing Phlox need?

Trailing Phlox grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Trailing Phlox bloom?

Trailing Phlox blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Trailing Phlox native?

Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MI and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Trailing Phlox attract?

Trailing Phlox draws bees and butterflies.

Is Trailing Phlox HOA-friendly?

Trailing Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Trailing Phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox nivalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MI and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Trailing phlox is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that forms neat mats of small leaves topped with clusters of pink, white, or lavender flowers in spring. This compact native plant stays under 8 inches tall and spreads slowly to create attractive carpet-like coverage in partially sunny areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Trailing Phlox is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract native bees and butterflies during an important early season nectar period. The low-growing habit also provides shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Trailing Phlox need?: Trailing Phlox grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Trailing Phlox bloom?: Trailing Phlox blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Trailing Phlox native?: Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MI and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Trailing Phlox attract?: Trailing Phlox draws bees and butterflies.
Is Trailing Phlox HOA-friendly?: Trailing Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Trailing Phlox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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